Integrated Sciences Building

Project Overview

Project Purpose

The $102M Integrated Science Building provided updated office and laboratory space for teaching and research. It is a progressive, cutting-edge facility with over 175,000 gross sq. ft. housing Chemistry and Life Sciences, teaching and research labs, a 300-seat auditorium, an 85-seat classroom, and computer, faculty and staff spaces.

Sustainability Features

Energy Reduction: For this project, two high-efficiency water cooled electric centrifugal chillers and one steam absorption chiller were installed in the regional chiller plant. The installation of both electric and steam chillers has helped the University to "balance" steam and electricity consumption to maximize the operating efficiency of the Central Heating Plan. The electric chillers utilize VFD controls to operate more efficiently at partial loads. In addition, a plate and frame heat exchanger has been installed to eliminate the need to use the chillers during the winter when cooling loads are very low.

Water Management: A 20,000 gallon storage tank collects rain water on the roof to reduce discharge to the campus sewer system, and instead it is recycled by the chiller plant. Effluent water piped from the Amherst water treatment plant is used to supplement water lost to evaporation.

Roof Garden: An “intensive roof garden” is installed over the chiller plant and an “extensive roof garden” covers the loading dock. These two gardens differ in a few major ways: the intensive roof garden consists of soil depths greater than 6” and less that 42” with a variety of plants, including small trees and shrubs. The extensive roof garden has soil depths no greater than 6” with plant materials restricted to varieties able to withstand harsh growing conditions.

Site Development: In preparation for the project, UMA recycled 100% of the steel and concrete from the demolition of the previously existing Marshall Annex.

Indoor Environmental Air Quality: 60 CFM low flow fume hoods were installed in the teaching labs as an alternative to standard 100 CFM versions. This allowed for reduced heating, cooling and fan energy consumption. Traditional 100 CFM fume hoods are restricted to use as dispensing and waste hoods.

Heating and Cooling: Outdoors, terra cotta “baguettes” are installed on the south atrium, facilitating solar heating in the winter and sun shading in summer. Low-E insulating glass was installed in the curtain wall and window units to reduce heating and cooling energy losses. During the winter heating season, exhausted air from the classroom wing is ducted to the four lab-wing air handling units. This exhausted air is used to preheat the cold incoming air that serves the lab areas. In addition to these energy-saving measures, enthalpy heat recovery wheels remove latent heat in the summer and add moisture and heat during the winter. The heat wheels recover 50% more heat and moisture than the previously proposed glycol loop.

Lighting Design: Occupancy sensors, heat and lighting controls are installed in lab areas, offices and other spaces to provide more efficient user control.

Alternate Transportation: Bicycle racks are situated at the two main entrances to the building and shower facilities are located inside to encourage reduced dependence on motorized vehicle transport.